Today we’d like to introduce you to Marli Hirako.
Marli, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I look back, photography has always been a part of my life. I was in my high school’s yearbook class and would wander the halls looking for something to photograph. In college, I studied photography using my Father’s Pentax film camera and was introduced to a more artistic side of photography. Life has a lot of different paths to take and after college, I chose to go down a different road that wasn’t photography. It wasn’t until I was getting married and searching for my own wedding photographer that I saw how much wedding photography had evolved and become an art form! I was hooked and purchased my first Canon DSLR shortly after the wedding. I enjoyed a few years of photographing friends engagement sessions, newborn and family sessions, but photographing a wedding was my true goal! I was finally given the opportunity to photograph my first wedding in December 2017 and I knew instantly that weddings were what I wanted to do! I have dedicated 2018 to getting experience as a 2nd shooter and assistant at weddings and am so lucky have met so many amazing, talented photographers who gave me the chance to work with them and learn from them. The photography community is full of wonderful, helpful, talented people and I am so happy to be a part of it!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A quote that I heard once and it really stuck with me was “Nothing in life worth having comes easy”. Photography has been a journey. This is a field in which you never stop learning and growing your techniques. I’ve practiced, made mistakes and learned from them and I still have so much practicing and learning to do.
I am just starting out on this journey myself, but if I would have any advice to give an aspiring photographer it would be to practice and get out there and find a mentor who would be willing to teach you. I directly emailed local photographers asking to assist and/or 2nd shoot, so I could get my foot in the “wedding photography” door. Most didn’t respond, but I kept at it and it paid off for me, with this year being a whirlwind of weddings, workshops, practice sessions, and learning!
We’d love to hear more about Photography by Marli.
I specialize in wedding and engagement photography. I attended a workshop a few months ago and was asked to pick 3 words to describe my brand. My 3 words were modern, dramatic, and composition. I have those 3 words in my mind whenever I am out shooting.
What sets me apart from others is my own unique style. I try not to focus on trends and what others are doing and just photograph what speaks to me. I am always looking for unique angles and compositions. The environment around us is full of shadows, shapes, and lines and I love searching for these unique elements and using them to make an interesting image. I am also very passionate about photographing couples at night! The world is completely different at night and you can create some very dramatic images with 1 or 2 off camera flashes!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I am inspired by all the hardworking women I know, especially those who are mothers like myself. They already have a full-time job with their families, yet they do what it takes to achieve their dreams and goals.
Contact Info:
- Email: Photographybymarli@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/photographybymarli
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographybymarli
Image Credit:
Photography by Marli
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